Status:	Final
Date:	14 MAY 1977
Time:	09:33 UTC
Type:	Boeing 707-321C
Operating for:	IAS Cargo
Leased from:	Dan-Air Services
Registration:	G-BEBP
C/n / msn:	18579/332
First flight:	1963
Total airframe hrs:	47621
Cycles:	16723
Engines:	4 Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3B
Crew:	Fatalities: 5 / Occupants: 5
Passengers:	Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Total:	Fatalities: 6 / Occupants: 6
Airplane damage:	Destroyed
Airplane fate:	Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:	3,7 km (2.3 mls) W of Lusaka Airport (LUN) (Zambia)
Phase:	Approach (APR)
Nature:	Cargo
Departure airport:	Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO/HKNA), Kenya
Destination airport:	Lusaka Airport (LUN/FLLS), Zambia

Narrative:
The aircraft departed Nairobi (NBO) at 07:17 for the final leg of a London-Heathrow - Athens - Nairobi - Lusaka cargo flight. Boeing 707 G-BEBP proceeded to Lusaka at FL310. At 09:07 the flight was cleared to descend to FL110. This altitude was reached at 09:23, 37nm DME from Lusaka. A clearance was then given to descend further down to FL70 in 1000 feet steps. At 09:28 the co-pilot reported that the airfield was in sight. Lusaka then cleared the aircraft to descend to 6000 feet (2221 feet above runway elevation) and moments later a clearance was given to make a visual approach for runway 10. At 09:32 flaps were selected to 50 degrees. Suddenly, at 09:33, the complete right-hand horizontal stabilizer and elevator assembly were seen to separate in flight. The aircraft pitched rapidly nose down and dived vertically into the ground from a height of about 800 feet. The main wreckage was located 3660m from the runway threshold.

CAUSE: "The accident was caused by a loss of pitch control following the in-flight separation of the right hand horizontal stabilizer and elevator as a result of a combination of metal fatigue and inadequate failsafe design in the rear spar structure. Shortcomings in design assessment, certification and inspection procedures were contributory factors.

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